Standing proudly in line, old soldiers turned out yesterday to support a woman who has become their heroine.

Julie Lake is accused of slapping a teenager she believed had vandalised a war memorial.

She was given the guard of honour by more than 30 members of the local Royal British Legion branch before she appeared in front of a magistrates court.

Mrs Lake, of Mangotsfield, near Bristol, denied two counts of common assault, one charge of criminal damage and one of using threatening words and behaviour.

Crown prosecutor Julie Copland said that Lake, aged 50, is alleged to have confronted two boys near a remembrance cross in Mangotsfield on December 11 last year.

She is accused of assaulting both boys and damaging a BMX bicycle belonging to one of the youths.

Lake was represented by celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman  dubbed Mr Loophole  who said his client denied all the charges and elected to be tried before North Avon magistrates at Yate in south Gloucestershire.

The case was then adjourned to March 28, when a trial date will be fixed, and Lake was given unconditional bail.

Mr Freeman, who is offering his services for free, has helped clients including Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Jeremy Clarkson following allegations of motoring offences.

He said: I took the case because I sympathise and empathise with her plight. My client denies all the charges.

Lake, the daughter of a World War Two fighter pilot, was later applauded by the members of the British Legions Staple Hill branch as she left court.

Why oh why are the Crown Prosecution Service wasting tax payers money pursuing this case. There will be an almighty public out cry if it does go to court. And I'll be there to stamp my feet and pull out my hair (difficult! because I is going thin)